Accomplishing Her Dreams

After her experience in high school science classes, Madison Knight '20, '23 MA-MFT knew she wanted to be a therapist someday—a goal Mount Mercy's MMU Plus program helps make possible.

MMU: What attracted you to Mount Mercy? Why did you decide to enroll in the psychology and communication programs?

MK: I was attracted to Mount Mercy because I love how small it is and that MMU has a marriage and family therapy program, which is what I wanted to obtain a degree in. I grew up in a small town, so the idea of going to a smaller school was comfortable and appealing to me.

I decided to enroll in the psychology program because I love studying the brain. Human biology was my favorite course in high school. I also enjoy working with others. I want to be a therapist someday, so being able to help those grow in their own mental health is fascinating to me. I decided to obtain a minor in verbal communications because I wanted to expand my ability to write more efficiently for grad school and to become an overall better communicator. When becoming a therapist, communication is such an important skill to have.

MMU: What has your experience in these programs been like? What has enabled you to be successful?

MK: I’ve had an amazing experience in these programs. All of my professors are great and are some of the most intelligent people that I have been blessed to learn from. They have given me opportunities I would have never imagined. Because of this program, I was able to complete an internship at Covenant Family Solutions, which evolved into a job, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to make great friends and connections. What enabled me to be successful here at MMU is a positive mindset and understanding that it is okay to take a risk and try something new.

MMU: How did you hear about the MMU Plus program? What was your reaction to hearing about the program?

MK: I heard about the MMU Plus program from my advisor my freshman year of college, so I have actually known for a while and was well prepared for the program. I was so happy when I found out. I thought it was amazing that Mount Mercy gave us the opportunity to start our masters early!

MMU: What do you see as the main benefit from participating in the MMU Plus program? Would you recommend it to students who aren’t currently planning on pursuing a graduate degree?

MK: The main benefit from this program is the ability to prepare and become more efficient for grad school! It also allows students to start early so they can begin their careers sooner. It is an amazing process. I would definitely recommend this program to other students, even if they were not planning to obtain a graduate degree. It would benefit them to at least hear about the resources and then they can decide from there, it is not for everyone.

MMU: Are you planning on continuing on to get your master’s degree from Mount Mercy?

MK: Yes, I plan on obtaining my license in Marriage Family Therapy here at MMU.